A New Covenant (Revised) Chapters 1-3 by The Arbiter

A New Covenant (Revised)Date: 13 July 2007, 1:20 am

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Halo they are Microsoft and Bungie's. The only thing I own is what I add to the Halo Universe and the characters I add.
The rating for this story is PG got violence and language.

A New Covenant

Chapter 1 The Alliance

Ninth Age of Reclaimation / October 2552
Delta Halo

Not long after the Arbiter killed Tartarus, Commander Keyes is on a platform revolving around the central structure of the control room. She skillfully jumps from platform to platform. She quickly takes the Index from the pillar of light, which immediately disappears. At once the room begins to shake, and the Commander looks skyward holding the Index to her chest in fear.

Outside, energy is building between the spires at the top of the control room. The ground rumbles as the energy is launched skyward in a forceful blue comet. The Brutes nearby witness this spectacle drop to their knees praying The Great Journey is here. However, the Sangheili hope and pray it's not too late to stop the great weapon. In space, the blue energy moves toward the center and meets with the energy already there. The entire mass implodes upon itself, and then explodes outward, creating a fantastic light show, but causing no harm to the ring.

The Sangheili cry out with glee," Wort! Wort! Wort!"

In the darkened control room, the Commander is silently studying a hologram in its center. Sergeant Johnson floats down with the Monitor, and takes a place at the Commander's side. Commander Keyes smiles and nods at Sergeant Johnson, who is now standing in the at ease position. She then turns her attention to the Monitor and with a firm voice asks, "What's that?"

343 Guilty Spark quickly replies, "A beacon."

Commander Keyes, still looking at the Monitor, but with an even more puzzled look asks, "What's it doing?"

"The other installations." the Monitor replied, as though a little surprised that the Reclaimers did not already know.

"Show me," orders Commander Keyes.

The Monitor turned to the hologram, interfacing with it. From a flow geometric shapes emerged the seven Halo Rings. He moved closer. Placing a red marker on the Ring that was destroyed by the Master Chief. 343 Guilty Spark excitedly explains, "Fail safe protocol: in the event of unexplained shut down, the entire system will move into stand by status. All platforms are now ready for remote activation."

"Remote activation," repeated Commander Keyes, "From here."

"Don't be ridicules," 343 Guilty Spark said in a patronizing tone.

The darker Human moved in angrily, "Listen Tinker-bell," Sergeant Johnson said as he started moving aggressively toward the Monitor, "Don't make me "

The Commander puts her hand on Johnson's shoulder as a gesture for him to calm down. Then calmly says, "Ok, then where? Where would someone go to activate the other rings?"

The Monitor looked at them both apparently baffled by the question, "Why the Ark of course," he finally answered.

The Arbiter, along with the other surviving Sangheili, using extreme caution approaches the trio from the shadows behind them. The Arbiter stands between Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson with his remaining soldiers behind him. Both Humans and Sangheili look at the Arbiter. The Arbiter, with a voice that is both calm and quiet asks, "And, where, Oracle is that?"

"Scanning," the Monitor intoned as it turned back to the console. The hologram changed to show a familiar galaxy. "Ark found," answers 343 Guilty Spark. "On the third planet in the Sol System."

"Oh hell," exclaimed Sergeant Johnson, "That's Earth!"

"Can the Ark be disabled from here?" questioned the Arbiter.

"No," was the blunt answer from the Monitor. "The Forerunners created the Ark to control the Rings in the event of installation failure. Not the other way around."

The Arbiter looks at his Sangheili brothers and says with urgency in his voice, "Brothers we must get to a cruiser. That must be where Truth is heading. By the Rings we shall bring Truth and his blinded army to defeat. We shall be victorious. Make haste our Great Journey has begun."

Johnson, looking for a cigar, says with a hint of contempt in his voice, "Now listen here split lip. Earth is our home. If anyone is going to save her and stop this Ark it will be us Humans."

The Arbiter feeling insulted and a little hurt turns to Sergeant Johnson and says, "No need for the insults. We helped each other here, on Halo. Why can't we help one another on Earth? Both our numbers must be shrinking. The Brutes are trying to exterminate my race."

Johnson sarcastically interrupts, "You mean like you were doing to the human race."

The Arbiter thinks back to the long years of the war. Remembers all the death and suffering the Sangheili have caused to the Humans. With a heavy heart the silver armored Sangheili finally says, "Yes. But at the time we were following the false prophets. We were following orders. Like any warrior with a hint of honor would, like you would if you were in our position. But, now our eyes are open, we are not blinded by the propaganda needed for a needless war. I'll make you an oath. On my honor, my races honor, we shall never harm another Human again. We shall shed our blood beside you. Defending your home world. Now and for generations to come."

All the other Sangheili roared in agreement. Johnson looks at Commander Keyes and with uncertainty says, "Can we trust them?"

Before Commander Keyes could answer a white armored Sangheili came to the Arbiter's defense and the defense of his race and says, "We are a race built on honor. Honor to us is very important. You take away our honor then you make us no better than a filthy Brute."

The Arbiter places a hand on the shoulder of the Sangheili. The Arbiter continues his speech as if never interrupted, "For a long time there were Sangheili who thought the war was uncalled for. That your race had more that once proven yourselves battle worthy. I was one of them. But then I would have been killed for heresy and my family labeled heretics for me even speaking those words. Now things have changed. We are no longer part of the Covenant and don't follow their laws. It would be an honor to fight by your side."

Johnson, grinning as he lights his cigar, says, "The feelings are mutual. Besides, my people were getting tired of getting our asses dusted by you. I'll see to it no Elite is harmed by a Human."

The Arbiter looks at Johnson and corrects, "Sangheili. We are called Sangheili"

Johnson looking dumbfounded says, "Hell man, I can't even pronounce that. My people called you Elites because you were super achievers, the best at what you do."

The Arbiter looks around the room at his brothers seeing them swell with pride at the statement this dark skinned human made. Not to mention feeling the same pride himself, says, "I speak for all of us when I say, you may call us Elites. I must know one thing though. Why do you let your females fight?"

Commander Keyes, looks at the silver armored Elite, feeling insulted, says, "I'll have you know, I'm a high ranking Commander in the UNSC. And I don't like being talked about as if I were inferior."

The Arbiter looked questioningly trying to understand why she was angry. A Zealot, named Pharr Eojadee, steps forward, looks at the Humans and adds, "I come in defense of our beloved Arbiter and our race. In our culture a female doesn't fight. She knows all our weapons and how to use them. But only for her protection and the protection of her fledgling. A female is regarded with the highest of honor. They are priestesses of our faith. Some become High Council members. All have a high place in our society."

The Arbiter raises his mandibles in what would be equal to a smile and says, "See why I asked?"

Commander Keyes looks at the three males standing in front of her, feeling as if she had just received a lecture from her father. Then says, "In our society male and female are equal."

Just then and not a moment too soon, the Arbiter's radio crackled, "You still alive Arbiter?", on the other end was the voice of R'tas Vadumee, the Spec Ops Supreme Commander and one of the Arbiter's closest friends.

The Arbiter answers, "Yes," then quickly adds, "Did you get control of the cruiser you were after?"

R'tas answers in a tone that is all business, "Yes and in the process freed a group of Sangheili warriors that were being held captive. One being our beloved nephew, N'tas."

The Arbiter thinks of how glad he was to hear that a member of his family is still alive. He also hopes his sister and her mate made it off High Charity when the Brutes betrayed them. Then the Arbiter responds with a voice that is full of relief, "That is wonderful news. I want to see him when we are done here. Now can you pick us up at the entrance to the control room? I have a few Sangheili and a few Humans here. No harm is to come to the Humans. I gave them our word. They helped to kill Tartarus, now we must help them, it is the least we could do considering the wrong we have done to their race."

R'tas glad to not have to try to fight both Humans and Covenant replies, "Yes, I'll be there in five units. Call any other Sangheili and have the Humans call their warriors to rendezvous at the control room for immediate evac. Oh and have your Humans let their warriors know not to harm our warriors. And Arbiter you may want to do the same to our warriors. "

The Arbiter turns to the Humans and in a down to business voice says, "We must march toward peace. If our races are to survive. I move to form a New Covenant. One of Humans, Sangheili, Grunts, and Hunters." With that said the Arbiter extends his hand to the Humans as a show of peace. The humans return the gesture and the two races shake hands. The Alliance was complete.

The Monitor, seemingly forgotten by everyone, floats in front of the Arbiter and Commander Keyes. He looks at both of them and says, "This is indeed wonderful. Things are becoming as they once were. I'm so happy to see The Brothers coming together again."

Both the Humans and the Sangheili look at the Monitor in shock. The Arbiter takes a step forward his boots making a clanging sound on the stone floor. Breaking the silence he says, "Oracle, could you enlighten us in what you mean?"

The Monitor says, "I'd be happy to." Both races gather around the Monitor as he begins his story, "The Forerunner were not a race. But a collection of races made up similar to the Covenant. It was made by the two brother races. The Homo-Reptilian and the Homo-Sapiens. If the two of you, the Monitor looks at the two races Sangheili and Human then continues, "were to check your DNA it would show that you were almost the same the only difference in the two is the small amount of Reptilian DNA. The brother races the Sangheili and the Reclaimers were a peaceful people. The Sangheili were a military people the strong hold of the Forerunner society much like you are today. However, the Reclaimers were knowledge searchers and technology creators. The weapons that the Sangheili used then and the Covenant use today were all created by the Reclaimers. All the other five races that made up the Forerunner were put together by the two brother races. Sangheili. This will explain why you were able to find the other races," everyone was silent. The Sangheili and the Humans just looked at one another, the Monitor continues, "The Grunts and Hunters also made up the seven races. By mere instinct was why they sided with you when the Covenant betrayed you. I'm so excited the reign of the Forerunner is returning."

The Arbiter was the first to break the silence, "You mean we are the descendents of the Forerunner? I thought they were destroyed when Halo fired."

The Monitor replied, "No you are the Forerunner. Yes the Forerunner society was destroyed. But on each of the seven home worlds the seed of each of your races was left."

"Were there any other races of the Covenant in the Forerunner?" asked Commander Keyes still trying to comprehend all this.

'No," replied 343 Guilty Spark, "But the long time enemies of the Forerunner the Prophets and the Brutes were the ones to create the Flood. They took their DNA and spliced it with the Brothers' DNA. Resulting in their weapon."

Commander Keyes says, "That would explain why they can so easily infect us."

343 Guilty Spark replies with a sense of urgency, "Yes. It also explains why you must get to the Ark before your natural enemy."

The Arbiter gives a curse in his native tongue, turns to the Sangheili and angrily says, "That explains everything. The treacherous Prophets used us all. They tried to enslave our races. They tried to have us exterminate our natural brothers. Damn them! They must have known all along. No wonder they were in such a hurry to have the filthy Brutes. Damn the Prophets and Brutes."

Pharr walks up to the Arbiter and says, "Arbiter, what shall we call our New Covenant?"
The Arbiter looks at Johnson and Keyes trying to think of a name that would fit what they would be representing. Commander Keyes looks up a light clicking inside her head and says, "How about we go back to our original name? How about we call the alliance what it was always known as The Forerunner?

The Arbiter joyfully says, "It always brings a blessing and luck for a female to name something. Since we need both now. We shall go with what the female says. The New Covenant shall be called The Forerunner."

The Sangheili all gave a roar of approval and cheer, the Humans even joined in. R'tas hearing all this from outside couldn't help but give a roar himself then says over his comlink, "If the party can wait for the rest of us, I've landed a Phantom outside. That is if you still need a lift."

The Arbiter clicks his mandibles in what would be equal to a Sangheili laugh. Then says, "Come, my brothers and my new allies. Onward to glorious battle. Death to the Covenant and all who blindly follow them! May nothing stand in our way."

With that the Humans and Sangheili proceeded to make their way out of the control room. Commander Keyes radios the remaining humans. Telling them about the alliance and their way off this ring. She gives them the location of the alien drop ship and tells them not to fire their weapons on any Elite. The Arbiter does the same for the Sangheili that are stranded on the ring.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Halo they are Microsoft and Bungie's. The only thing I own is what I add to the Halo Universe and the characters I add.
The rating for this story is PG got violence and language.

A New Covenant

Chapter 2 The Great Journey to Earth

Ninth Age of Reclaimation/ October 2552
Delta Halo

A motley assortment of Ex-Covenant and Humans were outside the control room. A group of Grunts were running around a trio of Marines trying to get them to play tag. The irritated Marines were beginning to wonder if the Grunts were a group of school age kids playing in the rain rather than the cannon fodder of the Ex-Covenant. They all stop as a Phantom slowly descends to the platform close to the destroyed door of the control room. The Arbiter is the first to gracefully come out followed by the rest who survived the Brutes assault inside. The multitude begins to cheer. R'tas Vadumee quickly comes down the gravity lift to greet the Arbiter, and then sees how many that is in need of evac. Shaking the water from his head he quietly says, "Arbiter, it is indeed good to see you alive. We are going to need more Phantoms."

"Order as many Phantoms as needed. Are there any other Sangheili controlled cruisers in the area?" the Arbiter inquires hastily as they make their way to the waiting drop ship.

"Yes. There are about twenty-five cruisers in the area. However, the bulk of the other Sangheili cruisers are headed for our home world. In case of Brute invasion," answers R'tas, as he turns slowly to the Arbiter. The Arbiter starts thinking of his home world. He wonders if he would ever see the lush green plains, the beautiful blue oceans, and the thick green forests of Sangheil. Too long it has been. The war has kept him from his beautiful home. The Arbiter makes a vow to himself to return to his home world as soon as he can, which he hopes is as soon as he helps save Earth.

'Good," answers the Arbiter. Then quickly adds, "Get on the com and tell the cruisers to make preparations for a slip space jump to the Human home world, Earth. We will be going there to deal with Truth and the rest of his Covenant. Now, let's get off this blasted ring." R'tas orders the other Phantoms. The first of the Sangheili and Humans follow the Arbiter and R'tas up the gravity lift.

The Sangheili and the Marines that are left at the evac site keep a close eye out for any Brute forces that could be hiding in the trees and the mountain cliff areas waiting to try something. The Humans and the Ex-Covenant start to mingle with each other. Mostly they are trying to ease the tension. All are trying not to get wet while they wait for their ride.

A red armored Sangheili walks up to a Marine and says, "Nice weapon. Do you know how to use it?"

The Marine looking at the carbine he got from a flood combat form says, "Yeah, but if you would like to show me that would be great." The Marine sensing the Elite was a little uncomfortable with small talk as he was. The Elite takes the carbine explaining the use of each button and how to properly aim the respected weapon. The other Marines and Elites see this going on and decide to join them. Both races who for so long have fought each other now take turn explaining the proper use of their weapons.

On the Covenant cruiser, Seeker of Light, the Arbiter and Supreme Commander R'tas show Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson the bridge. R'tas looks around the computer filled room. Almost every terminal has a Sangheili posted there. Commander Keyes, astounded by the multitude of the bridge's size says, "I could send for some of my people to fill the empty terminals."

Commander Pharr turns to Commander Keyes and thoughtfully replies, "Thank you. That would be wonderful. Since the betrayal of my people we have been a little short handed. Oh, by the way, welcome aboard my ship. The Seeker of Light."

Supreme Commander R'tas, taking control of the matter at hand, says loudly to the radar specialist, "Report."

The crimson clad Sangheili major, Onno Rjosee, whose family has been in the Covenant military for many generations, says, "Sir a group of heavily armed Brutes are closing in from the east and a massive flood army closing in from the south. They will be there with in fifteen units."

R'tas slams his fist angrily on the desk in front of him and lets out a curse in his native tongue. Commander Keyes, a little nervous by the Elite's show of anger, says, "Our people are down there both yours and mine. They don't have enough ammo to fight such an army. They will be slaughtered."

R'tas replies by asking the communications officer, a young blue minor named Oyho Guasee, "How many are awaiting a Phantom?"

Minor Guasee, still a little uncomfortable with Humans being on the bridge says, "Enough for two Phantoms, Sir."

Commander R'tas, showing signs of fatigue, orders loudly, "I want two Phantoms down there getting every one off that damn ring and I want it five units ago!"

The Arbiter and Sergeant Johnson look nervously at each other as they stand near the door to the bridge. Then Johnson says laughingly as he nudges the silver Elite, "Arbiter, looks like Half-Jaw has everything under control here. Where would one go on this boat to have a little R-N- R?"

The Arbiter looks at the dark skinned Human and says in a serious tone, "I wouldn't let Commander R'tas hear you call him that. He lost his mandibles to the Flood." Then adds with a hint of laughter in his voice, "But between the two of us the name suits him well. As far as RR, I don't know what you mean."

Sergeant Johnson says while trying to hide his laughter, "R-N-R, rest and relaxation. What do you Elites do for fun? That is when you're not kicking the shit out of us Humans.

The Arbiter thinks for a moment. He kneels down to Johnson's height and with much enthusiasm says, "Come with me."

The Arbiter takes Johnson down the purple and gray corridors of the cruiser. Every where Johnson looked there was work being done. Just then he looked up to see a giant glob floating over head. If was like it was gliding on the top of the wall. He turns quickly and says to the Arbiter, "Oh shit! What the hell is that?"

The Arbiter looks in the direction Johnson is pointing and sees an Engineer working on a broken light. He replies, "That is one of our many Engineers. They keep the ship working. They know every system and structure on board."

The Arbiter was just about to go into a little more detail when they were interrupted by a commotion behind them. They turn to see a Grunt running as fast as its little legs could carry it and a black armored Elite chasing it screaming, "Come back here cannon fodder when I get you I'll rip you into!"

The Grunt not slowing at all yells back in its squeaky voice, "You'll have to catch me first."

As they continue their walk down the long corridor the Arbiter shows Johnson where key points of the ship are. They come to a gravity lift, one similar to the one on the Phantom but a little smaller. The Arbiter looks at Johnson and says, "Get in."

They go up two levels and get out. They turn right and go to the end of another busy corridor. They come to a stop in front of two big doors. The Arbiter places his hand over the control panel on his right and the doors silently open. The Arbiter motions for Sergeant Johnson to come inside. When Johnson walks in he is astounded by the scenery of the room. The Arbiter looking slowly around the room says, "This is one of the Sangheili environmental chambers. It is made to look like one of the many plains from my home world of Sangheil. I brought you here, since we come from the same type environment."

Sergeant Johnson looks around the room. There are trees and green grass every where. In the far off horizon he sees beautiful majestic mountains. In the center of the room there is a beautiful lake with crystal clear blue water. The Arbiter motions for Johnson to come toward the lake. Both were breathing in the cool crisp air. They silently walk to the shore of the lake and have a seat on the grass at its shore and lean back on their elbows. Sergeant Johnson says in a relaxed voice, eyes never leaving the lake, "This is nice. It reminds me of a beautiful lake in Kentucky."

The Arbiter says in a questioning tone, "What is Kentucky?"

Johnson says slowly, "It's a state in the United States, on Earth," after taking in another breath of cool air, he thinks for a moment and looks at a very relaxed Arbiter and continues, "Arbiter, on the ring I said I don't like you. But I didn't know you. Well, I was wrong. I want to apologize. When I'm wrong I say I'm wrong. I think we could be really good friends."

The Arbiter, a little choked up, turns to Johnson and says, "I accept your apology. I would be honored to call you my friend."

Sergeant Johnson props himself up on one elbow and says tom the Arbiter, "When we get done dusting the Covenant's ass on Earth. I'll show you the lake in Kentucky I was telling you about. I'll even show you how to catch a fish."

The Arbiter replies, "I would be honored. And maybe one day I could show you my home world of Sangheil."

Back on the bridge, Commander R'tas looked at Commander Keyes and in a tone that is all business says, "We need the coordinates for Earth."

Commander Keyes tells him the coordinates for the Sol System and to be exact Earth. R'tas turns to the communications officer and says, "Send the coordinates to the other ships. Every one is to jump at once," then he turns to the navigations officer and says, "Enter the coordinates for slip space on me mark."

The navigations officer, a young blue minor named Else Nadusee says, "Yes Sir."

Commander Keyes looked at the door as one of the Marines a young Lieutenant named Lee Cox entered the bridge and saluted. She salutes and then says, At ease Lieutenant. Are the Marine's accommodations satisfactory?"

Lee says quietly as he moves into the at ease position, "Yes ma'am, they are fine. But the mess hall is another story. For dinner they are trying to serve us worms."

Commander Pharr, having over heard the conversation between the two Humans clicking his mandibles in laughter turns to the two Humans and says, "If I may be of assistance, maybe you should try the dried meat and sweet bread. It may be more to your liking than the stew worms. There's also many varieties for fruit and vegetables we use for snacks in the mess hall also. Please take it easy when it comes to the Brute brandy, the only thing good to come from them, and the Sangheili beer. Both contain a high concentrate of alcohol."

Else Nadusee, the young navigations officer, nervously comes up to the trio and says to Commander Pharr, "Sir, my apologies, but the estimated time of arrival at Earth is fifty-four units. We will come out of slip space five hundred units from the Human home world. It should take another ten units to reach Earth's atmosphere for orbit. Should I call a yellow alert?"

Commander Pharr turns to the young Elite and in an authoritative tone says, "Your apology is noted. The Great Journey is on schedule then. Have Minor Guasee call a yellow alert ten unite before we leave slip space in case there are Covenant hiding there. Then have the alert go red when we leave slip space. Have him also communicate this order to the other ships."

Commander R'tas walks up to Commander Keyes looks at her with his blue green eyes, clicks his mandibles together and says, When we leave slip space you will need to speak to whomever is in charge of your race. Let them know of our alliance, so we don't get attacked."

Commander Keyes looks at R'tas and smiles then says, "Commander have the ships come to a halt when we leave slip space. I will then get Lord Hood on the radio and tell him your race is now on our side. Personally I think he will be relieved to know he has a lot more back up in the coming battles with the Prophet of Truth and his Covenant. But you will also need to tell the Elites on Earth."
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Halo they are Microsoft and Bungie's. The only thing I own is what I add to the Halo Universe and the characters I add.
The rating for this story is PG got violence and language.

A New Covenant

Chapter 3 The Arrival

Ninth Age of Reclaimation/ October 2552
Sol System/ Earth's Orbit

The Forerunner ship comes out of slip space and moves toward Earth. "We've got a new contact, unknown classification." announced one of the Cairo's bridge crew, a young female officer named Patricia Messer.

Lord Hood turned to Messer and said, "It isn't one of ours take it out."

There was a long pause then the com crackled to life with static then a familiar voice came over the static and said, "This is Spartan 117, can anyone hear me? Over."

Lord Hood looks around the bridge knowing the Cairo couldn't take another assault of that magnitude then says, "Put it on screen."

Messer quickly adds, "Sir, we are being hailed."

"On screen," ordered Lord Hood.

The view screen on the bridge flickered to life with the face of a silver armored Elite along with a white armored Elite that is missing half its jaw. The silver Elite says, "Humanity we are the Sangheili the once super power of the Covenant. We come in peace. We have a common enemy. Truth and his Covenant. We are here to continue the alliance we formed with your warriors of Delta Halo. We mean you no harm. We have information that would greatly turn the tides of this war in your favor."

Lord Hood, not believing his ears, radios the Master Chief saying, "Did you get that? Do you think we can trust them?"

Before the Master Chief could answer Commander Keyes comes on the view screen saying, "Lord Hood, you can trust the Elites. They helped us stop Halo from firing. Now they are here to help us again. Lord Hood the Elite's eyes have been opened. They are truly sorry for what they did to the Human race. They have vowed never to harm another Human."

In the back ground on the bridge of the Covenant ship everyone are making preparations for the up coming battles. The communications officer Oyho Guasee, comes up to Commander Pharr and says, "Sir, of we have any space battles how are the Humans going to know our ships from the Covenant ships?"

Commander Pharr, realizing the importance of the question turns to Guasee and says, "We will have the Humans tag our twenty-six ships so we show up yellow on their screen instead of red."

The Master Chief, still on the Forerunner ship radios Lord Hood saying, "On their Holy City I saw the Brutes killing the Elites. I think they are sincere. Have them use their comlink to let their warriors know of an end of hostilities toward the humans and to assist us. I would accept their alliance if it were me."

The Arbiter hearing the Demons voice gets on the radio and says, "Demon," then with a laugh in his voice continues, "At least we didn't blow up another ring. However we just need to blow up an Ark."

The Master Chief recognizing the voice says, "An Ark? You will have to explain that to me later."

Commander Keyes says to Lord Hood, "Sir, are you going to accept the alliance or not?"

Lord Hood replies with skepticism in his voice, "Yes for now. But if they break it them all bets are off."

Commander Keyes says, "They won't be breaking it. And sir, get the Master Chief off that ship. He needs to be present for what we will be telling you."

Lord Hood gets on the radio and says, "Master Chief get off that ship and onto the Cairo ASAP," then says, "Elite ships you may dock. Commander Keyes when your ship docks, I want to see you and your party in my ready room to fill me in on what is going on. And don't make me wait."

Commander Keyes turns to the Arbiter and says, "We are going to have to prove it to them. Do you mind subjecting yourself to a DNA test along with myself?"

The Arbiter replies, "I don't mind. If that would prove to them that we are sincere then I'd be happy to."

Commander Keyes looks at the Arbiter and smiles then says, "That would be great. You will not be alone. I'll be there with you. And let's not forget we will both have our little friend the Monitor."

Commander R'tas looks at Commander Pharr and says, "Prepare the ship for docking."

Commander Pharr replies, "Yes, sir."

The bridge on the Seeker of Light was a very busy place. Communications were coming and going. Coordinates were being received and sent. Every place Sangheili and Humans were getting everything ready. To the Sangheili it felt like a homecoming. They were now excited to see Humanity. Their hearts were heavy because of the way they tried to kill off their brothers, but now that has all changed. they are ready to prove themselves as a means of repayment.

The Seeker of Light docks with the Cairo. Commander R'tas and the Arbiter follow Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson onto the docking bay. Commander R'tas says to Commander Keyes, "We could send for some of our Engineers and get the repairs done. That way this great station doesn't fall if the Covenant tries to attack soon."

Commander Keyes says< "Yes, that would be nice. I'm sure Lord Hood would appreciate all the help he could get. Let's tell him when we have the meeting."

The group made their way through the partially destroyed station. A young female Marine named Heather Carter met them at the door of the waiting room and said, "Have a seat there will be a small delay. Lord Hood and the Master Chief are on their way."

The Arbiter and Commander R'tas started talking to each other as they were looking out the window. Commander R'tas says to the Arbiter in a very serious tone, "Arbiter, I told you once the armor suited you but it can not hide that mark. Well they mark doesn't suit you at all. You seem to have been chosen for great things. The Sangheili are whole again. The sacred armor does suit you. I'm happy to call you my brother."

The Arbiter replies, "I'm honored to call you my brother. But we are treading on uncharted territory here. What if this Lord Hood rejects us?"

Sergeant Johnson overhearing this comes up to the two Elites and says, "If he rejects you then I'll have to kick his pansy ass. As far as a mark, what kind of a mark do you have?"

The Arbiter feeling a little uncomfortable talking about his shame finally says, "I was branded by the Prophets with the Mark of Shame, for the destruction of the first Halo. I shall have to bear this shame for all time."

Sergeant Johnson looked up at the tall Elite and says, "You mean like a scar? Hell, we have medical technicians here on the Cairo that could remove it."

The Arbiter, finally letting everything sink in, his eyes wide with shock and his mandibles moving into a grin, feeling almost excited says, "Can it be so? Since our faith was false could my soul really not be marked also?"

Sergeant Johnson says, "I'm not religious but I do know that a soul can't be marked by a burning of the flesh. Besides a soul can be cleansed by praying anyway. But I said I'm not religious. I'll take you to a person who could answer all those questions when we are done here. Then we will go have that scar removed."

Commander R'tas looked at the Arbiter and says, "Brother, if this works could you show me? Maybe they could help me with my mandible problem. I'd love to eat again and not make a mess."

Sergeant Johnson said to Commander R'tas, "Hey they could fix your mandibles too. We have prosthetics and can make prosthetics for damn near any part of the body. Teeth too," with that said Johnson proceeded to take out his bottom teeth.

Commander R'tas and the Arbiter look at the dark skinned Human in astonishment. Commander R'tas was the first to speak. He said with excitement, "I'm going. Prosthetic mandibles are better than no mandibles at all. Brother we are truly home."

Just then the door opened and Lord Hood motioned for them to follow him. The group of two Elites, two Humans, and the Monitor followed him into his ready room and took a seat. They proceeded to tell Lord Hood and the Master Chief the events on Delta Halo and about all of them being Forerunner. Lord Hood looked a little skeptical but with the DNA evidence Commander Keyes brought with her he couldn't deny the truth.

The Master Chief looked at the Arbiter through his shield then says, "Arbiter, lets finish this fight. Together."